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Hearts of Snow Lake #5.5

Gratitude and Gravy

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Alton:

We were kids back then, but now, we're grown up. Paul is all man. And boy, do I regret what I put him through.

I was in love with my friend and couldn't deal with my parents finding out I was gay. Being a teenager in the closet, it was all too much, and I just left. I'm not proud of it; I thought I'd eventually get over him. But I could never forget Paul. I've been back in Snow Lake awhile, and we've just been ignoring each other, pretending those passionate nights never happened, pretending that I never broke his heart. Even pretending I've stopped thinking about him. The reality is, he's never entirely left my mind since. Sure, he's gotten over me. He had a serious relationship with a man who passed away. But it took my own parents passing away before I could come to terms with being my own man and knowing what I really want in life.

I've made my bed and now I have to lie in it.

But every night, I long to have Paul back in that bed—even if I don't deserve him.

Paul:

Being a twin means you're never alone. But there's one thing that even a twin can't provide: true, romantic, head-over-heels love.

If I'm honest, I only felt that way once, and who knows if it was real. I was just a teenager, and everything seemed so new, so beautiful with Alton. But when he left me, I knew I'd been living in a fantasy world. When Alton drifted away, or should I just say it...? When Alton left me without saying goodbye, I cried in my twin's arms. Sure, I eventually moved on to a more mature relationship with another man. But life has no guarantees, and that ended too.

Now that we're stuck in Marty the Party Planner's inescapable holiday web, I can't get away from Alton. And it seems he can't stay away from me.

Should I be grateful that he's back in my life? Or careful to protect my heart?

Gravy and Gratitude is a special holiday novella in the Hearts of Snow Lake series. It can be read as a standalone. Happy Thanksgiving from Ashton Cade and the town of Snow Lake!

115 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 20, 2019

52 people are currently reading
93 people want to read

About the author

Ashton Cade

23 books102 followers

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5 stars
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66 (42%)
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35 (22%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews200 followers
December 30, 2021
Reread December 2021 and this is for sure still one of my favorites in the series.

We are getting up there again. This was an amazing edition to the series. A bit angsty, but just great! On to the next one.
5,704 reviews39 followers
November 25, 2019
sweet and cuddly story.. it was angsty in spots.. it was good and interesting and i really enjoyed the writing. very good
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews130 followers
Want to read
November 20, 2020
🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/20/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books102 followers
December 4, 2019
After two poor additions to the series it's back on track with a sweet second chance storyline. This time it was Paul's turn for romance. Paul is one of the jewellers who everyone buys their wedding rings from!
Once he and Alton reconnect things move fast with only a tiny bump in the road.
And then my pet peeve in the current stream of m/m happens (DM me if you really want to know) but obviously it's what most readers want, so who am I to complain. For me it's too much, too soon and it screams of writing to an agenda. But it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment, even if I did roll my eyes so hard I think I strained something.
Great to catch up with Marty and Seb in this one.
Profile Image for **Elle**Bee**Double U**.
2,207 reviews24 followers
March 11, 2020
When it comes to series like this one, where an author has an ongoing series for what seems to be every person in the small town, I find I like the idea of having small novellas in between the novels because not EVERY character needs a full length story.
Now with that being said, Alton and Paul's story is the perfect length. With them already having a history, it makes sense that there's no need to go through the whole "nice to meet you" phase.
What I didn't like about this story was how immature the characters are. They're suppose to closing in on being 40 and yet Paul seems to hold a grudge worst than a teenager!
For a man that ended up moving on to have a more serious relationship he acts likes Alton left him at the alter rather in high school.
I also didn't really understand Alton's reasoning for not approaching Paul sooner. He had moved back to Snow Lake 6 years prior and never once approached to apologize...what changed at that time?
Really wish this would've been a better read for me, but as far as I'm concerned it seems this one might be the turning point for me in the series (if you don't know what I mean, there always seems to be a book in any series I read that seems to be that tipping point in the series for me where the stories go from being good and addictive to just something not even worth my time anymore.).
3,759 reviews44 followers
November 23, 2019
🍗Short, sweet, second chance romance with a side of grumpy!😑

🦃 💕 A nice, short holiday story, based on the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Bank branch manager Alton and jeweler Paul are two Snow Lake businessmen who abruptly separated twenty years earlier and have basically shied away from each other in the five years since Alton returned to town to care for his ailing parents. But they can't ignore each other when a charity food drive, organized by Marty, Snow Lake's party planner extraordinaire, brings them face to face. The result is pretty low angst with a happy climax but it introduces Paul's grumpy twin brother Phineas who frowns on their reconnection and is certainly not shy about showing his disapproval!

I have read every story in the Snow Lake series this far and really like the community of characters building story by story. This one is too short to feature all of the couples from previous books, but Marty and Sebastian are back and Grayson is still whipping up his super baked goods. The story would, however, be fine as a short holiday standalone. Its length does mean the emotional component is less detailed, but it's still a fine romance with forgiveness a major component. Teenage Alton has a lot to make up for!😉

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Tina.
2,697 reviews15 followers
December 27, 2019
Gravy and Gratitude is the 5.5th in the Snow Lake series by author Ashton Cade. I will admit so far this is my least favorite of the series. There is angst, true love, and humor in this book, but I didn’t feel the spark I usually do for the characters. This book is written in dual POV.
Paul he is the twin of Phineas. He is younger by like 12 minutes and Phineas just never lets him forget it. Paul is the stead fast one. He is easy going. He loved Alton as a teen sure he moved on and loved someone else, but he never forgot Alton.
Alton never could tell his parents he was gay as a teen, so he ran away from the one true love of his life Paul. Now he is back and wants to make amends for the mistakes of the past.
Alton is very hard on himself in this book, I get way, but he really needed Paul to let him know we are all human and sometimes we make mistakes.
Overall a great addition to the Snow Lake series. Not my favorite, I felt the dragging out of Alton’s reasonings for leaving was a tad tedious for me. But still his and Paul’s story is important to the overall story of Snow Lake. I cannot wait for the next book and see who falls in love next.



Four twinkling Stars
Profile Image for Edga.
2,254 reviews23 followers
November 24, 2019
Short, emotional read.

Paul and Alton had a teenage love affair which ended in bitter betrayal. When Alton turns up again he initially stays away from Paul. Their passion reignites when they finally meet again, but is there room for forgiveness?

This is a second chance romance which is quite emotional. It shows that people's choices and the decisions that they make, even if they believe they are the right things to do, can quite often have devastating consequences to those around them.

It's a short read, and sets up the next story of the series . It was a decent read, but I did find it hard to believe that Paul still felt a spark for Alton after a teenage romance of 20 years ago! I also agreed with Paul's twin, Phineous, that Paul is a little too forgiving. Paul's obviously a much better person than I am.

Still, it's an easy read. Paul was a likeable MC, and Alton was suitably penitent. Loved Paul's twin and looking forward to reading his happily ever after. 3 and a half stars.
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Profile Image for Dixiecowgirl.
1,437 reviews25 followers
December 5, 2019
A lovely second-chance with your first love story that will make you feel good.  This is a sweet and entertaining read with likable MC's and a good story-line.  I really liked both of these guys and was happy for their journey and their directness  Once they started talking they cleared the air and were honest with each other.  

Paul and Alton have wonderful chemistry and connection that will warm your heart.  They have lost years and this is their story of finding each other and claiming their future.  

This is book 5.5 of the Hearts of Snow Lake series and it can be read as a stand-alone.  We do see characters from previous books, but you do not lose the plot or character development but reading only this one.  This is a good series and i would recommend reading all the books. 

I was gifted this book from the LesCourt Author Services and i freely give my honest opinion and review.  
Profile Image for Vicki.
1,145 reviews26 followers
November 23, 2019
Sweet second chance holiday novella.

This is a sweet novella about second chances with the one meant for you.

Paul and Alton are both likeable characters who still feel the attraction and chemistry from 20 years ago even if it’s familiar and strange at the same time.

Alton never came out to his bigoted parents and left town when he was 18 without a word to his then secret boyfriend Paul. Paul was left heartbroken and was still hurting and feeling a bit raw years later. When Alton had returned to Snow Lake 6 years earlier, they’d managed to ignore and avoid each other until they were both helping with a Thanksgiving food drive.

There’s a minor hiccup in their getting back together but all is forgiven at a Thanksgiving dinner and they get their longed for HEA.
This is an angst free, quick and easy read with a couple of heated passionate moments.
Profile Image for Mary Mary.
1,035 reviews49 followers
December 1, 2019
I LOVE this series soooooooo much!

This is a really sweet second chance romance with Thanksgiving and Xmas in the background.
It is a lovely story with adorable characters.
It is a fast and short read, something special for holiday season and a great addition to Snow Lake series. It was good to meet all my favorite MCs from previous books again and have another happy couple.

This story is pretty simple without much drama, but with lots of feelings from the past. I loved this story . I just wish it was longer and MCs took more time to get to know each other again before jumping into relationship.

I can understand Phineas and the way he acts toward Alton, but I wonder if he will change once he'll fall in love himself.
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,542 reviews47 followers
December 1, 2019
Unfortunately, not a favourite for me from this series.
I didn't feel a connection between the characters until right at the end and I know it's a shorter story but things felt rushed. Forgiveness was quick to come and anger quick to fade as Paul allowed Alton back into his life after years out of town and then years ignoring each other around town. Alton does make every effort to repair the damage he caused between the two men but when push comes to shove, does he blow it again?
I always love getting the chance to catch up with previous characters and we get that here, as well as a big clue as to who's story may be in the near future.
It's good that another character from Snow Lake got their HEA, especially with a lost love, but it didn't really work for me.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,768 reviews8 followers
December 5, 2019
Alton left town years ago, terrified of disappointing his parents.
When he left, he abandoned Paul and broke his heart.
Alton made his way back home, but he and Paul have simply ignored each other's existence.
Suddenly, Alton is ready to apologize and ask for a second chance.
Paul's brother Phineas has serious reservations about this resurgence of romance because Paul was completely devastated last time.
When Alton has a run in with a family member and reverts to old habits, Paul is left once again lamenting his misplaced trust.
Alton quickly remedies the situation in the best way possible.
This was a really sweet story about the redemption of love and how some people are simply drawn to one another and meant to be in spite of the obstacles you yourself might create because sometimes your your own worst enemy.
1,017 reviews
November 28, 2019
Paul and Alton were sweethearts in secret during school. They had to hide their relationship due to Alton's parents. When Alton had the chance to be honest with himself and others, he ran and left everything behind including Paul. After several years Alton is back and wants to make amends and apologize to Paul for his cowardly actions but Paul won't give him the time of day. When they cross paths again, Alton knows that his is his chance to make the wrong right with Paul. Will Paul allow Alton the chance to make things right between them and be open to the possibility of love with the man he has never forgotten or is it too late? Gah I love second chance romances and their story delivered in spades. I loved everything about their story and would recommend to all. Well done!!!!
Profile Image for Emma Burbidge.
244 reviews7 followers
December 13, 2019
I'm not familiar with Snow Lake before reading this as I haven't read any of the other books, but I will be adding them to my very substantial TBR list to read in the New Year. I like the facet that one of the MCs is a twin and I also have an ARC for the Christmas novella which features the other twin, as I'm just about to start in on that.
This was a very enjoyable Thanksgiving novella with a second (and third) chance romance for Paul and Alton as they are thrown together by the irrepressible Marty with helping with the food donations for the Thanksgiving baskets. The two finally admit that they never really stopped loving each other despite having had other relationships since they were in high school.
Highly recommended for lovers of Second Chance MM romance.
985 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2019
I enjoyed this sweet second chance romance. Paul and Alton were sweethearts when they were teenagers, but Alton was afraid of what his parents would think, so he ran away from Paul. Now they are adults and Alton's parents are gone. He and Paul have been avoiding each other, but now Alton wants to try again. He never stopped loving Paul, but can Paul let Alton into his heart again? I loved the characters, but I have to admit that I wanted Alton to have to work harder for forgiveness. That said, this is a sweet, warm, feel-good story of second chances and love.

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
661 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2019
A sweet story set in the Snow Lake series that is all about second chances and if you should give them. Alton broke Paul’s heart back when they were still kids, but what if the chemistry is still there all these years later. Will Paul be brave enough to give Alton a second chance? What if the past repeats itself, as his twin keeps insisting? But, isn’t the one fated for you worth the risk? I really liked both MC’s and loved that the road to their HEA was a bit rocky, as that what made it real. Definitely check out this Thanksgiving addition to the little town of Snow Lake. Can’t wait to read about the next couple!
Profile Image for Anna Torres.
385 reviews10 followers
November 30, 2019
Love hurts, we all know that!

Paul was a kept secret. He was in a relationship but because the other guy was in the closet, he was a secret, until it all fell apart.

Alton lives with regret. He left without looking back. He left the one he love! But now he is back, he will try to ask for forgiveness, even if that’s all he gets!

A love story of past hurts, asking for forgiveness and moving on. As part of the Hearts of Snow Lake, this novella has all the sweetness, low angst, past hurts incorporated in it. I have followed this series passionately, I love how the author has all these beautiful stories about such wonderful characters in each novel! I am looking forward to more!
Profile Image for Amy Dufera - Amy's MM Romance Reviews.
2,698 reviews140 followers
December 2, 2019
4.5 Stars

Ashton Cade's Gravy and Gratitude, a novella in the Hearts of Snow Lake series, is a fantastic second chance romance that drew me in immediately.

Former secret high school lovers, Alton and Paul, twenty years later, have a chance to make everything right. And dear god, I loved it. It's a story of mistakes, regrets, forgiveness, wasted time and taking risks. These two men are meant to be together and they are so charming as a couple. Their past is understandable, and the slow, low angst reunion is wonderfully done.

Gravy and Gratitude is a heart warming tale illustrating that timing is everything. It's super sweet and I can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Audrey Pott.
680 reviews1 follower
November 23, 2019
Small town romances are the best, I love how Marty gets involved with helping two ex lovers come together again. Alton and Paul needed to learn to deal with the past so they can move forward today. What doesn’t help is Paul’s twin Phineas I understand he’s looking out for Paul, who would love to have his support. A steamy storyline, endearing characters and laugh out loud moments.

I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I definitely recommend this book.
Profile Image for R.
2,123 reviews
November 24, 2019
Paul lost Alton twenty years ago when he left Snow Lake without an explanation. Alton returned to town several years ago but Paul has managed to avoid him. When they both both decide on trying a second time they hope it will work. But this is Snow Lake, where anything involving Marty is a sure thing.

A nice, second chance romance. No heavy angst, just a little bit of drama from Paul’s twin. The whole series has had very likable characters. This book was shorter but still a complete story. Sweet with a little bit of steam.

I received an arc of this book.
1,488 reviews4 followers
November 27, 2019
This book is a Holiday Novella in the Hearts of Snow Lake series, but can be read as standalone. The story is about Paul and Alton and how they are trying a second chance in love. The plot is sweet and easy to read, with some angst and emotional situations, in between a lot of romance and hot scenes. Besides the main story it was nice to find some familiar faces from the previous books, and to read a little bit how they are doing with their lives as couples. Nice reading!!!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.
2,125 reviews5 followers
December 5, 2019
I've been loving this series so hard, and this book kept me right on the love wagon. ...and I love a good second chance story. Eventhough I could understand why Alton ran, I still didn't like the unapologetic apology that he gave Paul. It took me a little while to like him, but I totally loved Paul and just wanted him to be happy and in love. This was a great quick read and a great addition to this series.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntaryI read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review. and honest review.
Profile Image for Rachwithheadinabook.
1,899 reviews
December 2, 2019
This is a festive fluff of a second chance romance, where our main characters realise they were always meant to be together.

Paul is wary which is understandable after the way that Alton left when they were younger. I found Phineas‘s reaction realistic if a bit extreme. The connection between Paul and Alton is strong, immediate and steamy. This makes the book a great festive read that I enjoyed it immensely.
108 reviews
December 4, 2019
I just love this series from the bottom of my heart. This time we are meeting Alton, who fled the town when he was 18. But now he is back again, and he meets Paul again. Paul whom Alton left behind so abdruptly way back twenty years ago.
Now these two are here to tell you their story, and OMG it's heartwarming.
I connected well with the characters and I am a huge fan of these stories from Snow Lake.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,667 reviews
December 5, 2019
First, Goodreads has the book listed as Gratitude and Gravy, but it's actually Gravy & Gratitude.

This is a very cute short tale of high school lovers coming back together. I really like Paul and Alton, and I think their story is cute. I hope Paul's twin Phineas finds love soon, because he is strung way too tight! I haven't read the rest of this series, but this book has made me curious. I'll be checking the previous books out soon.
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,099 reviews39 followers
December 8, 2019
This was a great novella in the Snow Lake world. Alton and Paul has been together 20 years ago, but Alton’s escape to remain in the closet kept them apart and Paul angry at Alton. Paul was a little too quick to forgive IMHO, but the heart knows what the heart wants. I loved Alton trying to win Paul back and prove that he could be what Paul needs. Super sweet.

I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
3,010 reviews46 followers
December 4, 2019
Gratitude and Gravy is a wonderful second chance romance. Paul and Alton had a teenage love affair which ended badly. Will they take this second chance on love? This is a quick read that also lets us revisit favorite characters from this series. I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for jennrubenstein.
148 reviews9 followers
November 22, 2019
A fun and sweet novella in the Hearts of Snow Lake world

This is a lovely, short and sweet story for Paul and Alton! Just enough anger and a HEA makes the novella format perfect for these 2. Hope to keep seeing them in future stories - and more of Phineas and Liam, I hope!
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